UN experts urge FIFA, UEFA to suspend Israel over Gaza genocide
"Sports must reject the perception that it is business as usual," the eight independent UN experts the in a statement....
Geostrategy
IEA feels the heat as Washington pushes pro-oil agenda
Paris, France -- No stranger to ire from oil-producing nations, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is facing pressure from the...
Geostrategy
Economy
10th Arab-China Business Conference ends with Riyadh Declaration
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The 10th edition of the Arab-China Business Conference successfully concluded on Monday with the announcement of...
- The first day of the conference featured the signing of US$10 billion worth of investment agreements, spanning more than 30 deals across an array of sectors
- The conference featured 9 panels, 18 workshops, and several private meetings and hosted 150 speakers to explore, discuss Arab-Chinese economic cooperation
Economy
US exhorts Tunisia to agree to IMF reforms after EU offer
The EU offered a 900-billion-euro aid package -- contingent on Tunisia reaching an IMF deal. But Tunisian President Kais Saied...
- It's clear that Tunisia needs additional assistance if it is going to avoid falling off the proverbial economic cliff, US Secretary of State said during a press conference
- Italian foreign minister voiced support for IMF package and said that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government wanted to offer money as "the first step" toward reforms
Palestinian president visits Beijing as China offers mediation in conflict with Israel
Beijing has sought to boost its ties to the Middle East, challenging long-standing US influence there -- efforts that have...
- Official Palestinian news agency reported that Abbas will meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang during the trip
- The two are expected to "exchange opinions... on the latest developments on the Palestinian arena," Wafa reported
Geostrategy
Sweden to deport pro-Kurdish PKK supporter to Turkey
The decision comes after the Supreme Court in May cleared his repatriation to Turkey, where he is expected to serve...
- The Swedish government has decided to "grant an extradition from Sweden regarding a 35-year-old Turkish citizen," an official said.
- Turkey has accused Sweden of being a haven for "terrorists," especially members of the the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party.
Geostrategy
Global nuclear investments increase as tensions rise, say reports
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - The world's nuclear powers, and China in particular, increased investment in their arsenals for a third consecutive year...
- World's nine nuclear-armed states jointly spent $82.9 billion on their arsenals last year, with the US accounting for more than half.
- Washington spent $43.7 billion, which was slightly less than a year earlier but was still far ahead of all other countries, the report showed.
Geostrategy
Gulf nations stress on cementing unity, pledge support for Palestine
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has stressed the need for coordination, integration...
- The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council approved the foreign action plan in the field of human rights for the years 2023-2026.
- It emphasized on the completion of the requirements for finalizing the Customs Union and ensuring equal treatment for citizens within the GCC Common Market.
Geostrategy
Former Israeli PM testifies in Benjamin Netanyahu graft trial
JERUSALEM - Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid on Monday testified at a Jerusalem court in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ongoing...
- According to prosecutors, between 2007 and 2016 Netanyahu allegedly received gifts valued at US$195,000.
- Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing, saying gifts were only accepted from friends and without him having asked for them.
Geostrategy
Indirect talks with US ongoing via Oman, says Iran
Iran said it has continued indirect negotiations with the Unites States through the Sultanate of Oman over its nuclear deal...
- A 2015 deal granted Tehran much-needed sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.
- The two countries recently denied media reports that they were close to reaching an interim deal to replace the 2015 accord.
Economy
Iraq approves budget granting Baghdad upper hand over Kurdish oil
The new bill earmarked 12.7 percent of the budget to the oil-rich autonomous Kurdistan region of northern Iraq. It follows...
- The 198.9 trillion dinar ($153 billion) budget -- valid for three years though subject to future amendments -- also sets out record spending on public wages
- Lawmakers approved the bill after days of voting and months of wrangling over its articles in a country long accustomed to budget delays
Geostrategy
SEWA, US delegation explore collaboration in innovation, sustainability
Sharjah, UAE - Abdullah Abdul Rahman Al Shamsi, Director-General of SEWA Sunday discussed the authority's initiatives to reduce emissions and...
- The two discussed the authority's initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change and its vision for the upcoming COP28 conference.
- They also explored potential collaborations between the authority and American companies in innovation and sustainable development.
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UN experts urge FIFA, UEFA to suspend Israel over Gaza genocide
"Sports must reject the perception that it is business as usual," the eight independent UN experts the in a statement....
Geostrategy
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UN urges ‘free and fair’ elections in Syria post-Assad ouster amid ongoing challenges
Turkey's Foreign Minister warned Syria's new government to address Kurdish militancy, signaling potential intervention if unresolved with tensions rising with...
Geostrategy
UN envoy warns Syria conflict not over yet
United Nations' special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, referring to fighting between the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and...
UN envoy warns Syria conflict persists as rebels seek international ties post-Assad ouster
The UN migration chief expressed concerns about large-scale refugee returns destabilizing Syria further, particularly affecting religious minorities who fled violence...
Geostrategy
Most Read
Jolani vows to disband rebel factions, integrate fighters into Syria’s Defence Ministry for unity
Jolani emphasized unity in Syria, advocating a social contract among religions for justice, while urging diplomats to lift sanctions to...
- Assad fled Syria on December 8, as rebels led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) captured the capital Damascus, ending decades of dictatorship and years of civil war
- HTS leader Jolani has sought to reassure minorities at home and governments abroad that the country's interim leaders will protect all Syrians, as well as state institutions
Nations step up outreach to Syria’s post-Assad rulers
Governments worldwide are stepping up efforts to engage with Syria's new interim rulers, just over a week after Islamist-led rebels...
- Diplomats have urged an inclusive new administration focused on nation-building and justice
- The interim government insists they will protect the rights of all Syrians, and the rule of law
Geostrategy
Israel approves plan aiming to double annexed Golan population, Saudi calls it ‘sabotage’ of Syria
The occupied Golan is home to about 23,000 Druze Arabs, whose presence predates the occupation and most of whom retain...
- The government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) "plan for the demographic development of the Golan., Netanyahu office said
- Israel has occupied most of the Golan Heights, a strategic plateau, since 1967 and annexed that area in 1981 in a move recognised only by the United States